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Walmart promises jobs to ex-military who want to work in retail

World’s largest retailer expects to hire 100,000 vets over five years.

By Ashante InfantryBusiness Reporter

Tues., Jan. 15, 2013

Walmart is throwing its support behind American veterans by pledging to employ any former military that want to work in retail.

“Beginning Memorial Day, Walmart will offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran within his or her first twelve months off active duty,” Walmart U.S. President & CEO Bill Simon announced at the National Retail Federation 102nd Annual Convention & Expo in New York on Tuesday.

The veterans are owed “an unpayable debt,” he said lauding attributes, such as a record of performing under pressure and being quick learners and team players with discipline, seriousness and a sense of purpose.

“I can think of no better group to lead in revitalizing our economy than those who have served in uniform. Just think about our history. After World War I, the doughboys came home, and we had the roar of the 1920s. After World War II, the GIs led the longest economic boom in our history.

“Today, after ten years of war, there’s a new group of men and women ready to help write the next chapter of American prosperity. Sadly, too many of those who fought for us abroad now find themselves fighting for jobs at home. Through their service, veterans give us a land of freedom. When they return, it must be to a land of possibility.”

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Walmart’s reps did not respond by press time to inquiries about the program extending to Canada.

Already the “largest employer of veterans in the country,” Walmart expects to hire 100,000 vets — whether as stop gap, part-time or as new careers — in stores, distribution centres and corporate HQ over the next five years under the initiative, said Simon.

Depending on the time of year, there are between 15,000 to 50,000 job postings at Walmart, he added

“About 75 per cent of our store management started as hourly associates, and their average pay is between $50,000 and $170,000 a year — similar to what fire fighters, accountants, even doctors make. The highest earning store manager last year made more than $250,000.”

According to the U.S. army website, privates with less than two years experience earn $18,194 while majors six years in earn $69,296. That does not reflect noncash compensation including, health care, child care and free or subsidized food, housing and education, as well as, hardship and special duty pay which ranges from $50 to $450 monthly.

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